India has a big market that needs to upgrade and set up for 5G offtake, and the government and policy makers can trigger growth of the telecom space by releasing spectrum, including 5G, in adequate quantity and at affordable prices, a senior official of Qualcomm has said.

5G would positively impact India’s telecom market, the second largest in the world and “still growing”, as increased data consumption and heightened adoption of technology due to the pandemic has prepared the market for the advent of next-generation technology, said Rajen Vagadia, VP and president, Qualcomm India and SAARC.

“The case for the immediate rollout of 5G networks in India is a compelling one. It is no longer a choice, but a pre-requisite for the country’s growth and development,” Vagadia said.

Role of regulator

Indian regulators will have a big role to play in ensuring that 5G in India is deployed to its “full potential”.

As the world’s second-largest telecom market, India holds huge promise for growth, Vagadia said.

“The government and policy makers can trigger growth of the Indian telecom market by releasing spectrum, including 5G, in adequate quantity and at affordable prices,” he said in an email interview.

As networks are congested, it is “prudent” to make the spectrum across all bands including mmW (millimetre wave) available for immediate deployment, he said.

5G will completely redefine mobile experiences and enable generations to benefit from it, the company said.

Qualcomm, is a wireless technology innovator and fuelling the development, launch and expansion of 5G.

“We are driving conversations at all levels of the ecosystem to catalyse the commercial reality of 5G in the country — from telco, education, healthcare, automotive, medicine to manufacturing,” Vagadia said.

India has a big market that needs to upgrade and set up for 5G growth, he pointed out.

“We expect a longer-term trial followed by circle level rollout towards the end of next year before a national rollout of services,” he said.

5G is expected to embrace and support specialised use in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, utilities, healthcare, pharmaceutical, transportation and logistics.